IDF simulates soldier abduction in drill

JERUSALEM (JTA) — Israel’s military conducted a training exercise simulating the attempted abduction of a soldier from an army base.

The drill comes as the military has uncovered serious security threats of abductions of more Israeli soldiers following the release of Gilad Shalit in exchange for more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners.

The forces also trained for an infiltration scenario into a West Bank community, similar to the terrorist attack in which five members of the Fogel family members were murdered in Itamar more than six months ago, according to the Israel Defense Forces.

The units were only given one week to prepare for the surprise drill.

IDF Chief of General Staff Benny Gantz ordered the exercise and was in the field during the exercise.